Crane Fall Protection System with Adjustable Scaffold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection systems for cranes are difficult and time-consuming to set up and take down, especially around rotating cranes, due to safety regulations prohibiting the securing of safety equipment to rotating equipment, necessitating a need for improved fall protection solutions that are efficient and effective.
Innovation Solution
A crane fall protection system comprising a safety net and an adjustable scaffold structural member, which can include a deployable arm, air inflatable units, and connections to outriggers, providing structural support and minimizing shear and tensile stress, while allowing access to the crane ladder without removing the safety net.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a scaffold or fall arrest system is set up around rotating cranes to provide fall protection, then safety protection is improved, but setup time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fall protection system is divided into modular components including a base unit that attaches to the crane outrigger, vertical support members, and a safety net assembly. These segmented modules can be independently handled and quickly assembled, reducing overall setup time while maintaining protective coverage around the rotating crane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and movable components such as telescoping vertical supports and flexible netting that can adapt to the rotating crane's movement. The dynamic design allows the protection system to remain effective during crane operation without requiring complete disassembly and reassembly, significantly reducing setup and teardown time.
2Reliability
If safety equipment is secured to rotating crane equipment to provide fall protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but safety regulations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment points for the fall protection system are extracted from the rotating crane structure and relocated to the stationary outrigger base. By anchoring the system to the non-rotating outrigger framework rather than the rotating boom or cab, the design provides effective fall protection while complying with safety regulations that prohibit securing equipment to rotating components.
3Ease of operation
If an access flap is added to allow operator access to the crane ladder without removing the safety net, then operational convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access flap is integrated into the safety net assembly as a nested component. The flap is positioned within the net structure and can be opened or closed as needed, allowing operator access to the crane ladder while the remainder of the net remains intact and providing continuous protection. This nested design adds minimal complexity while significantly improving operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A crane fall protection system is disclosed herein for use within building or construction sites. The system may comprise a safety net and an adjustable scaffold structural member. The adjustable scaffold structural member may be provided as a deployable arm that extends from the side of a crane. In some embodiments, the system may include an access flap that enables an operator to access a ladder of the crane without removing the safety net. In some embodiments, one or more tension wires may extend from the safety net and/or the scaffold structural member and attach to a pad positioned underneath an outrigger of the vehicle to provide additional support for the safety net. In some embodiments, air inflatable units may be used instead of a safety net. In some embodiments, connections to outriggers may be used to suspend the safety net instead of a scaffold structural member.